BMW X5 intermittent no crank
Asked by Robert Apr 04, 2018 at 05:21 PM about the 2003 BMW X5 4.4i AWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
My 2003 X5 starts and runs fine 90% of the time.
Once in a while it doesn't. All dash lights and
electronics appear to work. I get a ride home and
try the next day. Starts with no problem. Mechanic
dove into lift, it didn't start. Hooked up to computer,
started every time. Tried for two weeks, no
problem. Got it home. Drove it for a week, it did it
again. Not the battery, jump doesn't help, tried
putting it in neutral, had second key made with
same result.
3 Answers
I have the same issue with the same year and engine. No codes, changed the ignition switch, still no crank.
Still doing the same thing, I checked relays, was system. That's not it.
santarosacarguy answered 6 years ago
Signs of a dying fuel pump. The engine is starving for fuel. BMWs requires super high fuel pressure and a dying pump just isn't pushing enough fuel. Get your fuel filter changed too whenever you change your fuel pump. You can try just changing the fuel filter fist and see if that fixes your problem. A clog filter can show the same signs of a dying fuel pump. However I a going with the fuel pump because you said it works fine 90% of the time. If clogged fuel filter it would rarely start once it got so bad. Also I've never seen a fuel filter that is so clogged up it wouldn't tart the car from my experience. Once it is clogged it is clogged it won't unclog itself. Fuel pumps on the other hand sputters and sporadically work and don't work depending on the pump diaphragm valve getting stuck and unstuck. Ninety nine percent sure it is your fuel pump but change fuel filter anyways to help the longevity of your new fuel pump that you install. Also never let the car run low on fuel if you do as it shortened the life of any fuel pump drastically or leave you stranded and having to install a new pump. It sucks up on the gunk at the bottom of the tank if you run it too low.
